Stories

We are in the midst of a journey to visit churches through Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming, about the work of Christ in international missions, especially in Asia. Please keep us in your prayers as we go.

The trip began at Living Savior Lutheran Church in Montgomery Texas. Pastor Bailes and the people of Living Savior welcomed us with open arms. They took great delight in hearing about the work of Christ in Asia. We received our Lord’s gifts of forgiveness, His preached Word, and His body and blood with them. We pray God’s continued blessings for them.

We then headed north to Nacogdoches Texas, where we visited with the pastor and people of Redeemer Lutheran Church. They provided us with an excellent meal and great conversation. I also found out that my aunt attended church there while she was in college. It’s a small world, but even smaller when you’re Lutheran.

Then, en route to Colorado, we stopped at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lariat Texas. After a wonderful potluck, the children headed outside to play on the playground, and the adults spent the time talking about mission work in Asia. They were delighted to hear that life in Hong Kong differs greatly from life on mainland China. Since Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, we can freely and boldly carry on the work of mission without fear of government intervention. We give thanks to God for the opportunities He has given us to do this.

Next, we stopped at Our Savior Pagosa Springs, Colorado. After preaching for Ascension day, I had the opportunity to teach Bible class the next morning. Thanks to some wonderful advice from the members of Our Savior, we made a quick escape through before the snow arrived through Wolf Creek Pass. It was an adventure!

The following Sunday we spent at Trinity Lutheran Church Greeley, Colorado. They were delighted to have us, and we really enjoyed sharing the mission and message of the Office of International Mission. I presented during Bible class and spoke before both worship services. We enjoyed receiving Christ’s gifts with them.

Finally, we spent yesterday at Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora, Colorado. What a wonderful group of Lutherans who delight to hear about how we as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod are using the First Article gifts of Jesus to declare the Second Article message of forgiveness delivered through the Third Article gifts of Word and Sacrament. They sent us off greatly encouraged.

Here’s a list of where we will be soon. Don’t hesitate to stop in and say hello.